Microsoft adds 50 new partners after dropping Windows licensing fee

Terry Myerson revealed during the launch of Windows 10 yesterday that 50 additional companies have signed on to make Windows-based devices after Microsoft removed licensing fee for the platform. Earlier this year, the software maker announced that it would be giving licensing Windows for free to OEMs building devices with screen sizes under nine inches.

Myerson stated that Microsoft will not change its stance on offering Windows for free in the future. He said, "It's going well. I expect we will continue it."

While Microsoft did not mention how much the Windows 10 upgrade would cost, it is great to see that partners will be able to build phones and tablets that run the operating system without having to pay a license fee.

By giving Windows away for free to device manufacturers, Microsoft aims to increase its market share in emerging markets. We are already seeing that to a certain extent in countries like India, where vendors like Micromax, Xolo and Karbonn have launched Windows Phone devices.

What do you guys think of the recent influx of Windows-based devices?

Source: Re/code

Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor overseeing Asia for Android Central, Windows Central's sister site. When not reviewing phones, he's testing PC hardware, including video cards, motherboards, gaming accessories, and keyboards.